Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz
It was on the banks of the river Vascão, an affluent of the river Guadiana, that the village of Santa Cruz grew, at about 12 kilometres from Almodôvar, on the way to São Brás de Alportel.

The Mother Church is the oldest religious monument of all the county, having belonged to the Military Order of St James.

The main façade exhibits a Manueline portal; inside, there are three naves, four side altars and the main altar piece.

At the village you can also visit the Saint Anthony Chapel, the Our Lady of the Conception Chapel and the chapel of Corte Figueira.

In the environs, wind and water-mills mark the landscape, and you can do some good fishing at the river Vascão.

At Santa Cruz it is still possible to order a pair of boots made specially for you, or to buy thick socks of wool spun in the region.

Crafts that can hardly be found elsewhere, but that still follow the traditions of this golden Alentejo.